The Role of Echocardiography in Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation

AbstractPurpose of ReviewExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly used to temporarily support patients in severe circulatory and/or respiratory failure. Echocardiography is a core component of successful ECMO deployment. Herein, we review the role of echocardiography at different phases on extracorporeal support including candidate identification, cannulation, maintenance, complication vigilance, and decannulation.Recent FindingsDuring cannulation, ultrasound is used to confirm intended vascular access and appropriate inflow cannula positioning.  While on ECMO, echocardiographic evaluation of ventricular loading conditions and hemodynamics, cannula positioning, and surveillance for intracardiac or aortic thrombi is needed for complication mitigation.SummaryEchocardiography is crucial during all phases of ECMO use. Specific echocardiographic queries depend on the ECMO type, V-V, or V-A, and the specific cannula configuration strategy employed.
Source: Current Cardiology Reports - Category: Cardiology Source Type: research